Becoming a Dance Mom!

This last weekend Finley performed in La Boutique, a local ballet put on by our Children's Dance Theater.  It was quite a hectic and busy week leading up to the performances, with four nights of full dress rehearsals, followed by 3 days filled with performances.  I knew this would be a good test of her dedication and enjoyment of dance...and after the final performance on Sunday she was as hooked as she'd been before we started.  Little girl loves to dance... and as long as she's enjoying it, we'll continue to support (and fund it).  However, we've heard from many dance families that there definitely comes a time when the decision must be made between dance vs. sports...Thankfully we aren't there yet and she'll continue enjoying her weekly tap/jazz classes.  She's already made it well known that next year she'll be adding a ballet class to her list.  Good thing I've mastered the hair bun!

Marching Solder!

A little hot chocolate before her first show!

Coley and Finley ready to go!

 Dance moms! 

Nana and Grandpa enjoyed her first show!

Paityn came and watched on the second night!

Another visitor on the last day...Parker!

That's a wrap!

It was a really great experience with a lovely group of people!

San Francisco!

Last week I took a mini-vacay to San Fran with my mom. It was a much needed trip out of town and we squeezed so much into our four day trip. My mom is an adventurous traveler and I'm so thankful she instilled in me the desire to do the same.  Spending time in an amazing city was fabulous, but what I enjoyed more was the time with my mom. I cherish these memories and feel so blessed that we are able to get away for things like this. 

We ate food that was out of this world and walked, taxied, and trollied all over the hilly city. 

The weather was sunny, warm and beautiful. 

Hopping on the Hyde-Powell line. 

The houses and buildings are just incredible. San Fran is a city packed into such a small space-buildings are on top of each other and it's just such a different world from where we live. 

Amazing!!

Strolling though China Town late one night, the sky was filled with lanterns. We also ate the most amazing Chinese food. I'm drooling now just thinking about it. 

The city was so alive! 

We trekked over the Golden Gate. Breathtaking. 

Haight and Ashbury was one of my favorite neighborhoods. It's like stepping back into the hippy 60's and we ate the best breakfast there-plus the people watching was top notch!!!

Every local said we MUST see this show...it didn't disappoint! I could have gone again the next night but it is always sold out and we got really lucky getting tickets. 

Alcatraz. This is the first thing you see when arriving at the dock. I felt welcome. 

We took a great tour of the old prison buildings. 

Tourist!!

From the top of the Coit Tower we could see the entire bay. 

Fall Update.

This week TJ and Beau both had their last football game of the season and Finley had her last soccer game! It was nice that it all wrapped up at the same time so we could celebrate and have a bit of down time. It has been such a fun season for all three kids and I'm so proud of their work effort and teamwork. 

Husband and I work very hard to always be positive and keep athletics in perspective for our kids. The older they get the harder that becomes and we've found the best way to counter the crazy sports parents is to continue to give our kids a balanced life. Sports is one small piece among their academics, piano, band, dance, church and just plain old being a kid time. 

Beau running out during introductions. I've asked they announce him as Beau-B-Kins...but they won't. Haaaa!

Omak Bantams. Such a great group of boys! Extra fun that I work with them at school and see how kind and hardworking they are towards their academics too!

After Beau's last game. 

This kid loves his Nana!

Best Pals. These three are endless entertainment...their teacher has so much patience! 

7th grade Buckskins after their last game. 

             Gruesome-twosome.

This group of boys started playing football together as third graders...to see them now makes me feel like my life is flashing before my eyes.  

Our soccer girl!

On Saturdays Finley went from soccer immediately to ballet. Along with her weekly tap/jazz class, she is a marching soldier in our children's dance theaters winter ballet. 

Husband's water boy and ball boy heading to the game. 

Finley and cousin Quincy taking Fat-Mama for a ride.